​Upperman junior tight end Colton Johnson has committed to Ole Miss football, announced in a post on his X account on July 9. The 6-foot-4, 230-pound three-star prospect sits at No. 28 on 2027 Tennessee prospects in the 247Sports Composite. Johnson’s recruitment picked up steam in the spring, drawing interest from a slate of college football programs, including Tennessee, Alabama, Indiana, Ohio State, and Oregon. His list of offers also featured Vanderbilt, Arkansas, Florida State, and Ole Miss.
“I got a few offers during the 2025 season. But as soon as I posted my junior season tape is when it really started taking off,” Johnson told The Tennessean in March. “Then during the contact period, they wanted to come and see me. Once my junior film got out there, offers started coming in.”
Johnson is believed to be just the second Upperman football player to receive an FBS offer. He closed the 2025 TSSAA football season with 37 receptions for 615 yards and four touchdowns. Upperman finished 9-3, advancing to the second round of the playoffs where they were defeated by eventual Class 4A state champion Alcoa. On the defensive side, Johnson contributed 133 tackles at linebacker and earned the Region 4-4A Defensive MVP honor.
The two-way conversation around Johnson’s abilities has included discussions of his potential to play both ways, though he is primarily regarded as a tight end target. He also excels on the basketball court, averaging 12.4 points and 9.5 rebounds per game for Upperman this past season, while shooting 54.4 percent from the field. Johnson played a key role in helping the Bees reach the Class 3A state semifinals.
“It’s been fun. It’s a good experience for me and my family and my friends,” Johnson told The Tennessean in March about his recruitment. “I think it’s brought a lot of good attention to Upperman. People have realized we’re better than they thought. I like that it’s bringing attention to the school more than anything.” Johnson’s commitment to Ole Miss adds another chapter to a recruitment story that has elevated not only his profile but also the visibility of Upperman High School’s athletic programs. As college programs continue to monitor Johnson’s development, his blend of size, versatility, and a rising senior year complexion positions him as a notable prospect to watch in the evolving landscape of Southeast high school football recruiting.